5 PROVEN WAYS ART CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
“Art is the bridge between stimulation and stillness”
I seem to do some of my deepest thinking on the M25. I’ve spent a bit of time driving lately and despite the monotony and inevitable delays, I actually enjoy the two or sometimes three hours of undisturbed contemplation. I’m getting better at tuning into my higher self and it always offers up some interesting nuggets of one-line wisdom.
‘A Higher State’ - 50x70cm, mixed media on canvas
Something that came through on my latest journey was ‘art is the bridge between stimulation and stillness’, and its profound simplicity rather surprised me. It was a bit of an ‘Oh yeah!’ moment - it sums up perfectly the way in which we can use art as a tool to help us move down a gear or two and find the peace of mind we all so desperately need.
I’ve been quite distracted lately with a plethora of ideas and potential directions to go in artistically which is exciting but playing these words over in my head has really brought me back to my why and the core message that I am sharing through my work: that taking time to really look at art can heal us both mentally and physically.
In this post I’m sharing five significant benefits of viewing art with intention.
Stress Reduction
Engaging with art can have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce stress levels. By immersing yourself in the beauty, colours and textures of artwork, the brain enters a state of relaxation, allowing for a release of tension and an overall sense of well-being.
Emotional Expression
Art has the power to evoke strong emotions and provide an outlet for emotional expression. When you view art that resonates with you, it can tap into your own emotions and allow you to process and understand them better. This process of emotional expression through art can be cathartic, helping to improve mental health and provide a sense of emotional relief.
Cognitive Stimulation:
Looking at art stimulates the brain, activating various cognitive processes. It encourages critical thinking, observation, and interpretation, as we analyze and make sense of the artistic elements and messages conveyed. This mental stimulation promotes neural connections and enhances cognitive abilities, such as creativity, problem-solving, and memory retention.
Empathy and Connection:
Art can foster empathy by providing a window into different perspectives and experiences. When you engage with artworks that depict diverse cultures, emotions, or social issues, you gain a deeper understanding of others' experiences, fostering empathy and compassion. This connection to humanity can enhance our social interactions, relationships, and overall sense of belonging.
Mindfulness and Presence:
Viewing art encourages mindful awareness and being present in the moment. When you fully engage with an artwork, you enter a state of focused attention, free from distractions. This practice of mindfulness promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves mental clarity. By immersing yourself in the visual details of an artwork, you can cultivate a sense of mindfulness that extends beyond the gallery or museum setting.
These psychological benefits that incorporating art into your daily life can offer has a knock-on effect on your physical health too. Lower stress levels reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases and and increased cognitive function can delay age-related impairment. In an age where it is so easy to get lost in endless scrolling it is important to remember that the pay off for pressing pause can be immense. Whether it's visiting galleries, exploring virtual exhibitions, or even creating art yourself, the therapeutic power of art can greatly improve your overall well-being. It is a visual medicine that only has positive side-effects!
Kx